Ever since testing Kong Casino UK over the last few weeks, I've discovered quite an interesting gaming platform that's managed to both impress and occasionally frustrate me. Like many players, I was initially drawn in by their bold gorilla-themed branding, but I wanted to dig deeper to see what they really offer beneath the surface.
History and Licensing
Kong Casino UK is relatively new to the scene, having launched in 2021 under the operation of ProgressPlay Limited. While they might not have decades of history behind them, they're backed by a company that's been in the iGaming business since 2012. What really matters here is their licensing - they hold a valid UK Gambling Commission license (number 39335), which I've personally verified. Having this license gives me confidence in their legitimacy, especially since the UKGC is known for its strict regulatory standards.
Registration Process
Setting up my account was surprisingly straightforward, taking about 5 minutes from start to finish. The process required basic information like my name, address, and date of birth. What I particularly appreciated was the clear layout of the registration form - no confusing steps or unnecessary fields.
However, there was a mandatory verification process that kicked in before I could make my first withdrawal. I had to submit photos of my ID and a recent utility bill. While this extra step might seem annoying, it's actually a good sign of their commitment to security and regulatory compliance.
Payment Methods
Deposits
I found a decent range of payment options available:
- Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- PayPal
- Trustly
- Much Better
- Apple Pay
- Bank transfer
The minimum deposit is £10, which is pretty standard, while the maximum varies by payment method. I tested a PayPal deposit which was instant, and a debit card payment that took about 2 minutes to process. One minor annoyance is the 2.5% transaction fee on deposits - something I wish they'd been more upfront about.
Withdrawals
Withdrawal options mirror the deposit methods, minus a few choices. The minimum withdrawal is £20, and you'll need to have verified your account first. In my experience:
- PayPal withdrawals took 3-4 business days
- Debit card withdrawals needed 5-7 business days
- Bank transfers required 3-5 business days
I tested two withdrawals during my review period - one via PayPal (£50) and another using my debit card (£100). The PayPal transaction was notably faster, though both eventually came through without issues.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quick and easy registration process
- Wide variety of games from multiple providers
- Reliable mobile platform
- 24/7 customer support
- Secure UK license
Cons:
- 2.5% transaction fee on deposits
- Relatively slow withdrawal times
- Limited promotional offers
- Customer support can be slow during peak hours
- Some games take time to load
User Experience
The overall interface is clean and intuitive, though I occasionally experienced loading delays during peak evening hours. The mobile version works particularly well - I actually preferred it to the desktop site. Game categorization is logical, making it easy to find specific titles, and the search function actually works (which isn't always a given with online casinos).
Conclusion
After spending considerable time with Kong Casino UK, I can say it's a decent option for UK players, though not without its flaws. The solid licensing and security measures inspire confidence, and the game selection is impressive. However, the transaction fees and withdrawal times might be deal-breakers for some players.
If you're looking for a legitimate, well-regulated casino and don't mind slightly longer waiting times for withdrawals, Kong Casino UK is worth considering. Just keep in mind those deposit fees when planning your gaming budget. For new players, it offers a safe introduction to online gaming, while experienced players might appreciate the diverse game selection despite the platform's relative youth.